I have been surprised, in fact, amazed, at the lack of preparation people will devote to learning about the company for their interviews.
The company they want to work for!
The company they supposedly LOVE.
Why? People tend to focus on the job more. The position. The role.
And they focus on what the company can offer them.
But what does the company want to know?
What YOU can offer the company.
Just this minor shift in thinking can give you an edge in the interview.
It will shape your questions, your thought process and your answers.
It will also help you better understand the fit. And whether, in addition to the job, this company is the right for you.
So before you head off to the BIG interview, a few things to find out:
1. If public, know the stock price
2. Read investor and analyst reports
3. Read the “about us” section of the website
4. Read up on the management team – their background and careers
5. Google any news postings on this firm.
6. Understand its mission and philosophy
7. What or how does the company give back to the community?
8. Grab an annual report – great source of information
9. Hit the pavement – ask friends and family what they have heard about this firm
10. And last, but not least, tailor your answers to common interview questions taking all this new-found information into account.